/ Any guide/location rec's for Yorkshire weekend 20/22 Sept?

Staying in East Leeds next weekend. Looking to head out as a group (3 or 4) who can TR upto VS, mainly trying to build up our Leading at VD/S.

Trawling the databases suggests Almscliffe is probably the place to head? Any thoughts?

In terms of guides should I go for Rockfax Northern England (covering larger area as my frequency of visits to Yorkshire specifically will be low). Or are the more specific YMC guides worth collecting, even if it will rarely get used? I assume the 2012 Volume 1 is optimal for North of Leeds, or is the older full area guide good too?

In reply to rideti.me:
Almcliff feels tough for the grade and can be quite off-putting, especially if you're not used to grit. But dries quickly, which can be handy at this time of year. I prefer Brimham at the easy grades, but many disagree.

re guidebooks - the new YMC guide is officially the best guidebook in the world. But for an infrequent visitor might be a bit much, so unless like me you're mildly obsessive about guidebooks, Rockfax could be a better bet. The older YMC guide is also very good, but showing its age in terms of layout and usability.

In reply to Kid Spatula: I'd say President's Slab is far from ideal as a first lead unless the OP is seeking proper adventure. High, north facing, slightly bold classic with a longish approach, Its probably best saved for a good day so you can enjoy it properly. Paid instructors should be avoiding classics for training and I can't think of many who wouldn't be very careful about allowing a client to lead on their first day.

Ilkley is probably the best spot for beginners with some of the quarry routes being ideal for learning to place gear. It's where I learned to climb and I'm still at it 49 years later so it must have some of the right ingredients. Its close to the road and easy to set up top ropes and got a good cafe! What more could you want!

In reply to rideti.me: add a grade or maybe two to everything you do if its your first trip as grading is tough and the rock can take some getting used to. Dave Musgrove is right that Ilkley might be the best place to start.

In reply to Bulls Crack: I agree and it's not particularly polished. The start of S Crack is a bit shiny, and anything that goes up the start of Josephine (or Josephine direct) is worse. Can't think of any good VDiffs or Severes. Rocky Valley might be better at that grade.